I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of Hope Reichbach, the 22-year old Communications Director for Councilman Steve Levin. She was found dead in her Boerum Hill apartment on Wednesday. An autopsy is planned, but no foul play is suspected.
She was smart, full of energy, and committed to making Brooklyn a better place. I didn’t always agree with her politics, but never doubted she cared deeply about her neighborhood and her neighbors.
I was looking forward to working with her on pedestrian safety — an issue she worked hard on.
My deepest condolences to her family, and all who loved her.
A memorial service is planned for noon Sunday, at Congregation Mt. Sinai, 250 Cadman Plaza West.
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This past Wednesday, over 1,000 people gathered in a Carroll Gardens church for the funeral Mass of Chris Hondros. The award-winning photographer was killed April 20th, while on assignment in Libya. Hondros spent his professional career in places like that. Seven tours in Iraq. Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Kosovo.
In an intereview with the New York Times he said, “Unless it happens right in front of you, you can’t make a picture of it.”
Hondros not only showed the human face of war, he had a big heart. After the conflict in Liberia ended, he paid the tuition of a Liberian militia-man he had photographed, so the man would learn some other trade beside killing.
The 41 year-old was engaged to be married. His fiancée Christine Piaia spoke at the service, in the church where in August they were going to be wed.
“Oh, how I wish this were our wedding day.”, said Piaia, as many openly wept.
Bruce Springsteen once said, “It’s a hard world that asks you to live with a lot of things that are unlivable.”
Rest in peace, both of you.
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